MU men hoops advance for Wednesday game

Marcus Ware out (foot injury) Wednesday. More on the bottom of this story…

By TONY GRAHAM
STAFF WRITER

WEST LONG BRANCH – The 3-ball launched at Tuesday’s practice by Monmouth University
sophomore Will Campbell seemed to almost graze the ceiling lights at the Multipurpose
Activity Center before it descended gracefully through the nets.

It was a sight Monmouth fans hope to see more of on a consistent basis starting
Wednesday night when the Hawks (3-9) host the University of Texas A & M Corpus Christi (4-5) in
a non-conference game.

Campbell, who has been coming of the bench, tied his career high with 27 points
Saturday. He had scored nine points over the prior three games. He missed three games in
Wyoming Nov. 27-29 with the flu.

“”I’ve been coming in after practice and getting some shots up,” Campbell said.
“”I got out on the treadmill to get my wind back up. Trying to work my butt off.”

“”We just need more consistent play throughout,” said Dave Calloway, Monmouth coach.
“””We’re just too inconsistent.

“”You see us at times we look very good. You see us at times we don’t look very
good.

“”That’s from game to game and throughout each game.”

Exactly what starting lineup and rotation will be seen wearing Monmouth uniforms Wednesday
remained a question Tuesday.

Calloway said TAMUCC reminds him of Wyoming which Monmouth upset Nov. 27.

“”They’re a little bit like Wyoming in terms of talent, they don’t press like
Wyoming,” Calloway said. “”They’re as good as Rider in a different way.”

Rider topped Monmouth Saturday, 70-63, a game Monmouth led in the second half.

“”If we play well and consistently for 40 minutes we have a chance to win the
game,” Calloway said.

“”If we don’t than it’ll be similar to Rider. Or worse.”

NOTES…Calloway said rookie forward Marcus Ware reaggravated his foot injury at
Friday’s practice and will not dress tonight. Calloway said he hoped Ware, who had a
promising preseason but has played in only two games after suffering a stress fracture
in early November, will be ready for the start of Northeast Conference play Jan. 2.

Comments

About Tony Graham

Long time Asbury Park Press reporter of local high school and collegiate sports. Proud Phan of the 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Big game tonight for this program, need the momentum going into NEC play where they have already dug themselves an 0-1 hole with that atrocious ballgame at Sacred Heart who looks to be very strong so far this year. Sofman and Coleman need to be wing scorers along with Campbell. TT and Waite need to provide inside scoring. Hett needs to run the show and I think at least attempt a shot or 2 before the last 2 minutes of a game to keep the defense honest. Dutch offers skills that other players on this team don’t (rebounding, size, blocking shots) and will be needed against a large frontline in TXAMCC tonight. I am interested to see what Justin Sofman shows up, what Whitney Coleman, what Ed Waite, what Will Campbell and what MMK….because if they ever all show up for the same game along with TT and Hett’s steady play and Dutch’s hustle, this team can function like the one that held a lead at Rutgers at half, held a lead over Rider at half, dominated FIU, beat Wyoming, etc…. This team has shown glimpses but the focus needs to be there for 40 mins, and part of that is on players and part on the coach. How about a challenge for MU fans to come out, support and BE LOUD tonight, including the students… I know school is closed, but so many MU students are commuters, show up…

MUMC – You’re right in that if they ever put it all together..etc……but that happened maybe just in the FIU game. Then again not many teams all click at once but you need a solid 3-4 guys to be consistent ..

I think we may see more of Dutch tonight to attempt to offset TAMUCC’s size.

Re: Whit…Because of the injury I don’t know how effective he will be on a regular basis..

I watched him closely in practice yesterday. Most of his longe range shots were coming up short. I am nooo shooting guru by any means but it just seems to be he’s not getting the push in the legs behnd the shots….and he’s not beating even his teamates of the dribble, and he’s turning it over in practice.

You want him on the floor for his leadership, savvy, foul shooting, etc. but its seems very tough for him right now. I have been assured by the trainer he is 100 percent from a knee standpoint .

He did have that spurt mainly out in Wyoming …which he continued into SHeart and then flashed vs. Penn…but since the Sac heart game Whit is averaging 8.75 ppg…and is 4-for-18 from 3…and that includes the 20-point game vs. Penn

So…I don’t know..is this just a slump…or is this going to be the norm for much of the year? Everyone has off games so you hope this is just a rough patch…

You really root like heck for this kid and hopefully he will bounce back..

About this Blog

Josh Newman on Monmouth University and local college athletics

About the Author

Josh NewmanJosh Newman has worked for the Press since September 2004, covering a variety of high school beats in addition to college sports and the New York Jets. A 2004 graduate of Springfield College, he is currently the beat reporter for Monmouth University.E-mail Josh

Sherlon ChristieSherlon Christie is a sports reporter at the Asbury Park Press. He joined the Press in the fall of 2004. He grew up in Massachusetts and has a BA in journalism from Northeastern University's School of Journalism. He is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.E-mail Sherlon

Steve EdelsonSteve Edelson has been covering the area sports scene for more than 25 years. And while he has chronicled the accomplishments of many athletes, he's still patiently waiting for his first hole-in-one.E-mail Steve

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How I feel about the departures of Dion Nesmith and Marcus Ware

A good move, King Rice needs to look to the future with younger players who are :"his" recruits (57%, 67 Votes)

Not a good move, they would have been fifth year seniors who may have helped significantly (31%, 36 Votes)